Father, I am so grateful that You are here with me. I struggle sometimes to get here, to think, to pray, to write, to stay awake even. But You? You are rock solid. You never give up on me. You are my biggest cheerleader. You want me to succeed. Plain and simple – You love me! Thank You…

1 Peter 1:4-5 (<<click here)

Sometimes, Lord, it feels like we make a mess of everything we touch. And then that voice (not Your voice but another) pops in our head and says, “See this is why you can’t have nice things!” It’s like getting a nice, special shirt from a loved one and the first time we wear it we dribble spaghetti sauce down the front of it.

Now of course, before we even really know what we’re doing our lives are soiled by sin. But we learn of Your love for us and the forgiveness that is extended and when we embrace it we are clean…really clean – only because of You… And what a glorious time that is! But at some point, sin makes itself available and before we know it we bite off a chunk and it dribbles down our freshly cleaned soul. We may fail but You, Lord, are always at the ready to clean us up again. Talk about a stain buster! Lord, thank You for Your “indescribable gift”! 2 Corinthians 9:15

I am so grateful that my opening prayer is true but Peter’s writing brings a new thought to mind. For those who choose to embrace You,

“…we have a priceless inheritance…that is kept in heaven…pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through Your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.”

Lord, we may struggle. The very nature of our lives is a constant battle against getting down and dirty… and sometimes it feels we are dirty more than we are clean. But those who love You, have an inheritance, kept in heaven “pure and undefiled.” All praise to You, Lord and Savior. Jesus, thank You for my inheritance! Enable me to stay the course. Strengthen me to live for You every moment. Amen.

Oct 17th, Mon, 6:12 am